Newcastle and Arsenal charged by FA

Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged with failing to control their players by the Football Association after Saturday's bad-tempered Premier League clash at St James' Park.

Trouble flared late in the game and Arsenal's Ivorian striker Gervinho was sent off following an altercation with Magpies combative midfielder Joey Barton.

Gervinho went down inside the Newcastle box looking for a penalty, only for an angry Barton to pull him up from the floor to accuse him of diving.

Gervinho responded by slapping Barton, who went down clutching his face, as a tussle ensued.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song was involved in an earlier incident with Barton, and has already been charged with violent conduct.

The Gunners have appealed against the red card shown to Gervinho but, unless that appeal is successful, Gervinho will miss three games, including meetings with champions Manchester United and Liverpool.

"Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged by The FA with failing to control their players following Saturday's fixture at St James' Park," said the FA in a statement.

"Both clubs have been charged following a mass confrontation of players following an incident in which Arsenal's Gervinho was also shown a red card in the 75th minute.

"Following Gervinho's dismissal Arsenal have lodged a claim that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension is clearly excessive. A Regulatory Commission will hear the claim on 16 August.

"Meanwhile Arsenal's Alex Song has been charged separately by The FA with violent conduct following an incident earlier in the same fixture.

"Both clubs have until 1500GMT on 18 August to respond to the charge, whilst Song must reply by 1700GMT on 16 August."

Newcastle released a statement of their own to confirm that they will deny the charges levelled against them.

However, Barton does not face any further punishment as he was booked for his part in the melee.